Definitions

defy

[dih-fahy, dee-] / dɪˈfaɪ, di- /

VERB

challenge, frustrate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

confront disregard elude flout ignore mock oppose provoke resist ridicule spurn thwart violate withstand

STRONG

baffle beard brave contemn dare defeat deride despise face foil front gibe insult repel repulse scorn slight stick venture

WEAK

face off fly in face of hang tough hurl defiance at make my day outdare stick fast take one on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist flatter help note pay attention praise regard respect

STRONG

abet admire attract commend compliment encourage give up hide like love

WEAK

give in obey surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When the conditions favour Djokovic, he has continued to defy the ageing process - a point illustrated when he beat Sinner in this year's Australian Open semi-finals.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

In other words, these are not the types of judges you would expect to look for reasons to distinguish or defy Supreme Court orders.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

The divergence underscores just how much stocks have been able to defy the normal laws of gravity in a period marked by a pandemic, inflation and a sharp rise in interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Many Puerto Ricans saw the ban as an attack on their culture and vowed to defy the law.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

They seem to defy the laws of gravity.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney

Vocabulary lists containing defy

The Cay

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I Am Malala

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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